Lead Service Lines in Beaverton, OR
Beaverton's water systems serve about 313,000 people across 11 utilities. The good news: current data shows 0 known lead service lines have been identified in the city's inventories.
That said, "unknown" doesn't mean "safe." Older homes built before the 1980s may still have lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main line to your house. Lead is only a risk if it's present and the water is corrosive enough to leach it. Many homes have these lines and never experience a problem, but testing is the only way to know for sure.
Who supplies your water?
The two largest utilities serving Beaverton are:
- Tualatin Valley Water District (224,600 people) — serves most of the metropolitan area
- City of Beaverton (88,045 people) — serves the city proper
The remaining nine systems serve smaller communities within the region, each with 150 or fewer residents.
What you should know about lead service lines
Lead service lines pose a health risk primarily through drinking water—though the risk varies. It depends on three factors: whether your line is actually lead, how corrosive your local water is, and how long water sits in your pipes before you use it.
Your water utility's inventory data tells you whether your system has identified lead lines. Oregon law requires utilities to maintain these inventories, but older records are sometimes incomplete. If your home was built before the 1980s and your utility's records are unclear, it's reasonable to assume your line might be lead.
Getting answers for your home
Contact your water utility directly—they can tell you:
- Whether your address is on a known or suspected lead service line
- What your water's pH and corrosivity levels are
- Whether free or low-cost testing is available
You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect your service line or have your water tested independently. If you have young children or are pregnant, the CDC recommends testing as a precaution.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility (see list below) and ask about your service line and water testing options
- If your line is or might be lead, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and run water for 30 seconds after periods of non-use
- Get your water tested through your utility or a certified lab if you're concerned
- Talk to your pediatrician if you have questions about health impacts for children
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```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line in Beaverton?", "a": "Contact your water utility—they maintain an inventory of known lead service lines and can tell you about your address. If your home was built before the 1980s and records are unclear, ask your utility about testing or hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your house." }, { "q": "Is Beaverton's tap water safe to drink?", "a": "All public water systems in Oregon must meet federal safety standards. Your water is regularly tested and treated. However, if you have a lead service line, the water could pick up lead inside your pipes—which is why testing your specific water and knowing your service line material matters." }, { "q": "What should I do if I think my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Don't panic—the risk depends on whether your water is corrosive and how long it sits in the pipes. Contact your utility to check records, ask about corrosion control measures, and consider testing your tap water. Avoid using hot tap water for drinking or cooking." }, { "q": "Can I remove a lead service line myself?", "a": "No—service line replacement must be done by a licensed plumber and may require utility involvement. Ask your water utility about replacement programs or financial assistance; some Oregon